Amid federal probe, Gray coy about re-election bid

WASHINGTON (AP) - Vincent Gray has a host of reasons to run for re-election as Washington's mayor - and one big reason not to.

The first-term Democrat can point to successes including a booming real estate market, a rapidly expanding population and reductions in violent crime.

But a long-running federal investigation looms over Gray's potential candidacy, and the mayor has remained coy about his intentions. With less than seven months before the Democratic primary for mayor, which traditionally has decided the race, the contest is mired in uncertainty.

Federal prosecutors have said Gray's 2010 victory over Adrian Fenty was tainted because of an off-the-books "shadow campaign." Four campaign aides have pleaded guilty to felonies.

Six candidates are vying to replace Gray, including three D.C. councilmembers.